Well Ive just returned from my East Cape South African adventure, it was a great time and a real eye opener, as it was my first time in Africa. I hunted several properties with PH Paul Webber from Grahamstown. I was successful in taking my goal animal, a Bushbuck going 13" and a great Nyala, 26". Also taken were Steenbuck, Duiker, and Springbuck.
It was an awesome 2 weeks, even with my back in real bad shape, thank god for the drugs I took with me.
The rifle is a Browning ABolt in .300WSM. I used Winchester Supreme Accubonds. The WSM is way to much gun for everything I shot. I did appreciate the long range ability of the set up though, as most shots were at range. the Bushbuck @ 285, Springbuck @ 300+, closest animal was the Steenbuck @ 50, and it was messy, lucky Im the Taxidermist. The Nyala was @ 160, all one shot drop on the spot kills. I took that caliber as I love the gun, and Kudu or Gemsbok were available, although I chose to target the animals I did. The gun is topped with a Meopta 3-10 Meostar, the first time Ive left these shores without a Zeiss on my rifle, but it performed beautifully. I also had my 10x45 RF Zeiss Binos, very very handy, especially in the hills where range across the gap is deceiving. I hunted several different types of terrain, most of which are different to our bush, so the RF was very handy.
For those that are planning a trip to Africa, its was fairly painless taking a gun to Sth Africa, just make sure you have the paperwork sorted, a letter of Invite from your PH/Outfitter, and some copies of your Australian Import papers(B709a) and copies of your Passport etc, as the day we went in the copier wasnt functioning to well. I also took a spare copy of the Sth African Permit app (SAPS520) in case I stuffed up the one I had already filled out. Having everything filled out correctly certainly got me through the Police facility quicker. But it pays to stay cool in there no matter how long it is taking, once your in Africa you will soon realize that things take time, and Nobody works at speed.
Another thing I took was a Primos Trigger Stick, its a 3 legged shooting stick, check them out on Ebay, I got mine from the States for about $120 delivered, it fit nicely into my gun box, and was awesome to shoot off. Sure beats a couple of taped together sticks Ive seen some use. And when you have a "Gunbearer" so to speak following you and your PH around, you dont even have to carry it.
As this was my first trip to Africa, I did take way too much gear. Your PH will have half the stuff you need, talk to him at length before you go so you dont take un-necessary stuff, as most of the Airlines are strict on weight. Also, only take 2 pairs of everything, you get washing done daily, so no need to take more, again, confirm this with your PH/Outfitter.
If anyone has any ? shoot me a PM.
Cheers
Cam .
Down Under
Australia

Looks like a good trip to me. I was near Grahamstown about 16 mo ago and had a good time. Nice pics. Love the Bushbuck. Nice chocolate coat. Most of us try to take too much as we don't want to be without. I'd heard that Moopta has some decent products. How do you like them after hunting with them? Bruce

Looks like a good trip to me. I was near Grahamstown about 16 mo ago and had a good time. Nice pics. Love the Bushbuck. Nice chocolate coat. Most of us try to take too much as we don't want to be without. I'd heard that Moopta has some decent products. How do you like them after hunting with them? Bruce

Click to expand...

Thanks everyone, it certainly was an awesome trip. As far as the Meopta scope is concerned, a great product at a great price. I won't say it's as good in low light as my zeiss victory, but it performed great and that's all you can ask for.
Planning for a return trip next May, you all said I would be back!

well done cam,a bit of full body taxidermy there
im interested in how you get your animals in to oz by your self ,are you still working where you were when my wife dropped that king crab off for you ?
a fine collection of trophies thanks for sharing and good luck on your second tour

THE HUNTER; The person that pays over 90% of the cost for the presavation and maintance of wildlife and gets zero credit for it ................

Hi Bluey, no Im not working there any more. I work in Sale, but am on leave at the moment, call me on 0408498496. Im having the capes tanned in Africa(Port Elizabeth) and shipped to me with the horns.
Talk soon
Cam

well done cam,a bit of full body taxidermy there
im interested in how you get your animals in to oz by your self ,are you still working where you were when my wife dropped that king crab off for you ?
a fine collection of trophies thanks for sharing and good luck on your second tour

Click to expand...

Bluey I've brought in trophies frm a few hunts and if they're tanned over there it's relatively staight forward. The process is quite simple ad only slightly complicated if you need a CITES import permit. I have had some trouble with zebra skins and capes when some smart #%ï½¥! In customs insets it's not a burchell's but one of the the CITES listed species - no idea!

Bluey I've brought in trophies frm a few hunts and if they're tanned over there it's relatively staight forward. The process is quite simple ad only slightly complicated if you need a CITES import permit. I have had some trouble with zebra skins and capes when some smart #%ï½¥! In customs insets it's not a burchell's but one of the the CITES listed species - no idea!

Click to expand...

If the twit at Customs can not tell the difference between a Cape Mountain a Hartmans and a Burchell/Plains Zebra they should get some better training.

To that end, this may help you educate them to get your trophies through the Customs port.